newbie Questions

Caliban · Veteran Member

newbie Questions

Nelly · Guru

Hello Nicole - welcome to a great site. I am sure you will enjoy it. I am a solo female as hubby is not interested in travelling so I now set out on my own. I did go with family but if they can't go for what ever reason I go solo. I have had a couple of setups e.g. a slide on and a camper trailer but now I have gone to a motor home. The slide on was easy to set up but I found I didn't feel as secure as I hoped. The camper trailer was a bit heavy for me to pack up so I opted for the motor home and have found it to be so much easier. Yes the only problem is leaving it as a base and going out from there but other people have towed smaller cars, have scooters or bikes so there are other options depending on what you want to do I suppose. Obviously I can't go off road but I would take the mh on good gravel roads - just drive to the conditions. Enjoy your research and when you get out there most of all have fun. smile smile smile smile smile smile smile

Nomad_Nev · Veteran Member

1) Yes you can get to most places with a road setup
2) If you willing to work for minimum wage on a farm there is work to be had, mostly in out of the way places and it is hard work, but if you living on a budget it will keep you going, I did a bit of reading up on it and found a great website:

jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail/search.aspx?%5Bobject%20Object%5D&_suid=1455323126496019908254547044635

www.taw.com.au/

3) My personal opinion (and generalising, yes you can use a bus as a motorhome but in general):
Motorhomes are the simplest, easiest park anywhere, and a cheap option, the downside is they are generally the smallest, and you have to take you home with you when you need to go shopping etc.
Check these guys out to see the kinds of options
www.britz.com.au/

A camper Trailer is generally the cheapest, you get a medium amount of space but there is a steep setup time depending on what you get, perthaps not idea for a solo traveler based o nthe setup required.

A caravan is perhaps the nicest option, you can have more space than a motor home, detach when going shopping, have a full size bed, the downsides though are a more restrictive parking requirement, greater fuel cost for pulling it.

Possum3 · Guru

Caliban, Whilst out on the roads all over, most of the single ladies we've encountered prefer a single unit such as a coaster or smaller motor home - although there have been a couple of ladies we've met pulling small caravans with vehicles such as Holden and Ford sedans.
The was one such lady that was 82 years old, driving an old early Ford Falcon towing a home-built 10ft plywood van - she was pretty well packed to the gunwales with a special seat and harness for a small pound puppy companion in the navigators seat. It was her home and all possessions and had been on the road since her late 60's - perhaps one of the nicest people we have met in many years.

Caliban · Veteran Member

Thank you Nelly and Nomad Nev for your reply's.
At the moment I am leaning towards a tow vehicle and a caravan.
I have looked at a lot of motor homes and they are small although I have not seen many caravans in the flesh, so I can't really say.
I will be traveling with a small dog, she is two so by the time I get going she will still be with me. For my thinking at the moment, I think a separate car would work best so that Misty the dog can come with me as much as possible and I could then take her to the vet easily. The other thing is my budget is not going to be that large to allow for the purchase of another vehicle as motor homes seem to be quite expensive for my budget anyways.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

What we like with motorhome when free camping is the ability to drive away if security a problem . Hardly every happens .. But it's nice to know .We only use awning so moving is easy ., Then things like living style ? Fridge, cooking type ? Toilet & shower . Solar etc .. Especially if long term . Plenty are built for weekends . Grey, black and fresh water tanks ..

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Welcome to this crazy site .

Caliban · Veteran Member

Maybe I am crazy....

I want and hope to afford a 20" - 24" caravan because there is more space inside and a better bathroom arrangement.

I guess I am not your average female.
I mow my own lawn. I cut down and dig out large bushes on my own in the garden.
When I worked at Aldi the food store, some of the guys said they had never seen a female work as hard as I did.

I don't have a drivers license no have I ever had one, but I ride an electric bicycle on the road. I have hardly seen another single female riding a bicycle full stop. A lot of the young men on bicycles around here ride on the foot path. I hate the foot path it is bumpy and just well bumpy.
If I can ride on the road with big semis passing me and be in the way of the cars somewhat, then surely I can learn to drive and tow a caravan surely.
As for the safty aspect (being able to drive away at a moments notice) well I will carry a big crossbow just like the one that Daryl carries in the walking dead. However they are rather expensive.

-- Edited by Caliban on Saturday 13th of February 2016 01:19:36 PM

Jaahn · Guru

Hi Nicole smile

I think most people can achieve what ever they want to if they try bit. However I would say that if you have not had any driving experience at all up to now, then towing a 20' caravan is not the place to start learning. Or even an equivalent sized motorhome. That applies to anyone. Also the camping experience in a caravan or MH is not to everyones liking.

So my suggestion would be to get your licence ASAP and get some experience, as much as possible. Then perhaps get a small camper, like a Hiace poptop or similar and try out a bit of short distance camping for short trips and longer and see how you go. A good rig like these are easily sold again to move on to something larger if you find it suits and you may have got some better idea of what you want by doing it and interacting with others on sites.

The safety concerns can be assessed by yourself after you have done the safe camping style by using caravan parks etc and see how it feels. Talk to others and see what they think. To some degree it is the perception more that the actual dangers most worry about.

Cheers jaahn

-- Edited by Jaahn on Saturday 13th of February 2016 02:20:05 PM

RosieW · Guru

Ummmm, yeah. I started driving (manual car) 12 months ago, and I can safely say that adding a whopping great thing behind the car would be worse than terrifying - it'd be downright dangerous. To me and everyone else on the road (and probably the footpath too). It's a skill, towing. If you plan to go in 5 years, get cracking on the driving now, that way you will have some experience when you get out there (even if not towing, this is essential). And even then, I'd be wary.

As for what to buy - an all-in-one (coaster/mh) is probably the best bet. And, if you can afford it, tow a small car (a cheapish one would do the job). We had a discussion about this the other week (his health is failing rapidly, he raised it, I am not being morbid). We decided that a small bus/mh would be the way for me to go (9m/11 tonne is too big), even with 2 kelpies. This is (hopefully) a ways off yet, and I'd rather not think about it, but as I have been, and as I have limited driving experience, I'm thinking that's the way I will go. Eventually. And all automatic.

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Hi Nicole and a warm welcome to grey nomading and this site :)

I generally agree with Jaahn above. Get your license asap, but if you can afford it, you can move straight up into a large van of the size you want.

Virtually every State have private companies that will conduct training courses in how to tow, reverse, accident avoidance etc as well as the various motoring organisations like the NMRA.

There are 100s of caravan clubs as well that you can join - some have a modest membership fee and you will find people within the club that will help and advise you with tow vehicle selection, caravan towing and probably give you the free towing training to a avoid paying for it.

DON'T use a caravan Dealer tell you what type of tow vehicle and caravan you need. They only want to make a sale!!

Caravan clubs have a wealth of experience and most will jump at the chance to help you make the right choices and give you the training to make you a competent RV'r and enjoy travelling about the country. And there are many ladies (and men) who travel solo and have no problems. They even have solo's nomad clubs where they have regular social get togethers. And other than in National Parks, most places, including caravan parks, welcome dogs nowdays.

The cross bow could be a bit of a problem though LOL. Suggest you get yourself a short piece of pipe or if you have an unwelcome visitor(s) use your fire extinguisher which will be right by the door to your 'van - spray him/her/them with it - not try knocking them out !

DMaxer · Guru

I wonder if The Phantom is reading all of this. This might require some assistance from the skull cave!

Woody n Sue · Guru

Ok Caliban I might as well through in my 2 bobs worth as well but just remember that it is my opinion and may not suit you.

Firstly I do not wish to take anything away from your ability to suddenly start driving and towing a van as my daughter put me in my box on girls ability to tow and back a trailer many years ago, humble pie is not very tasty.

however my points to ponder are

don't know what state you are from but you may need to go through the learner driver phase and do lots of driving hours with another driver beside you, this may not be the case given you are well over 16 ( please no insult intended )

Best you start soon as others have said.

As has also been said towing a big van is no walk in the park, for a start anyway and some never really get the hang of it, going on the number of caravan stacks and those who admit to having been scared Poo less after passing a big road train and semies, so my surgestion is also go with a medium size motor home with shower toilet ect if that's what you want inside your van / RV.

You have already stated that you have an electric bike fantastic ( want one my self ) may I sugest that would be perfect to go with a motor home certainly easier than towing a car behind a motor home

if however you you want a car / ute to do side trips may I suggest a fifth wheeler ( think semi trailer if you don't know what a fifth wheeler is, yes I am bias as we have one ) ONLY way to go as far as SAFE towing is concerned, if fitted to a flat tray ute they are extreamly easy to hook up and un hook as you can see the hitch through the rear window, there is more living space for the same overall length of a car and van, and you only need a car licence

I understand if your budget is limited but there is from time to time good setups for sale under $40,000 and as you need a tug to tow a van or a fifth wheeler the expense there is going to be very similar, oh and not all fifth wheelers are huge like the american units Aussie made ones are very reasonable size.

Happy hunting researching what you think you need is great fun and very satisfying once you find what you are looking for, you are going about this the right way starting years ahead of your intended departure time

This is a pic of our setup

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Nicole, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Lot's of long answers above so I will let you take all that in without adding.

Keep Safe on the roads.

Still working · Member

If you are in NSW you can not tow a caravan on P plates

Caliban · Veteran Member

Okay, my brain is wobbling inside my head.
Firstly I am overwhelmed and very appreciative of all your wonderful support, and I have the feeling I am going to get a wealth of knowledge and through that make very informed decisions.I am thinking that joining this forum was a smart idea, and you guys really know your stuff, thank you so much again.

I live in Queensland. I would never actually get a crossbow, they are too expensive and beside it may not always match my outfit. A baseball bat they never go out of style.

It makes sense to get my license now or soon or now, yeah. So I guess I will make enquirers into that. I don't want to be terrified, and I don't want to make it too hard for myself. I think to be sensible going with motor home as opposed to a caravan and vehicle is probably more me. Rosie W and Jaahn you spoke (or rather typed) some reality into me.

Bruce and Bev I hear you, I think it would be best to get the setup right at the get go, I may not have the money to upgrade later. To touch on the things I am looking for and why I want to do this at all. I am currently a full time carer for my mother. My mother and I pool our money and her gift to me is to help me save as much money for my future as possible. It all started at the bank I went there for something and he said you could get a loan for $280,000 to buy a house. (I had full time employment then) Mum and I were going to buy a house at that time and have a mortgage. My thoughts have changed I don't want a mortgage ( is that how you spell that really whatever I am dyslexic so whatever, you get the idea) I don't want debt. I want to buy something, anything that I can own and live in, it does not have to be fancy. This option the caravan/motor home option is the best I have come up with, it is within my means ( even right now with my current amount of money ) I can have my dog, and it is a very appealing lifestyle, where I don't have to work full time ever again.

Woody and Sue I know what a fifth wheeler is and if I had the money and the expertise that would be my first choice. However in the real world maybe driving your motor home to the supermarket is not so dorky after all. I suppose to be honest with every body. If I were to go near a city with a caravan and a towing vehicle I was not liking the idea of driving it around all those tight corners and with all the other traffic around. If I am being honest with myself a caravan is a no go. Fifth wheeler are awesome you never know what will happen in the future.

Someone mentioned caravan clubs I will look into this.

Someone also mentioned they might be interested in getting an electric bike, I have done a lot of research into this I would be happy to give you some advice.

Thanks again guys what a great bunch of people.

Krusty · Senior Member

Hi Nicole, Just my 2 cents worth but as a Solo traveller myself I find Caravan Park Fees are my biggest expense. Most charge for 2 people so as a Solo you're effectively paying double. Some give a Solo rate but usually it's just a couple of dollars off and never half. I therefore avoid them like the Plague!! Luckily there are plenty of other options for Free or Low Cost camping. (Just check out Wiki-camps) eg. National Parks usually charge per person. If you're on a limited budget I'd get a getaway vehicle that is most suitable for these camps. Take care, Krusty.

Caliban · Veteran Member

Thanks for the advice Krusty, learning more each minute!!!!

RosieW · Guru

Nicole, get your L's as soon as you can. In QLD, for over 25's, there is no time/number of hours you need to hold the licence. Get as much practice (of the free variety) as you can, then book yourself some lessons with a reputable driving school. That way, you get a good run-through of anything your other instructors overlooked, and they will get you up-to-speed on what you need to pass the practical driving test.

In the practical, you can make 8 minor mistakes, before you fail (giving way, stopping at lights are major things, forgetting a blind spot is not - unless you hit something). My advice is go for the 5 year licence once you pass (cost me $150), it will list when you go to Full from Provisional, and is considerably cheaper.

When you purchase your 'house on wheels' be aware of length/height issues - we are long (9m) and high (3.7m) and have difficulty getting into some spots, both CPs and free stuff.

As Krusty said, you should get yourself Wikicamps. I'd do that now, because that way you have acquired it while it is still relatively cheap ($7.99).

Good luck!

RosieW · Guru

Krusty wrote:
Hi Nicole, Just my 2 cents worth but as a Solo traveller myself I find Caravan Park Fees are my biggest expense. Most charge for 2 people so as a Solo you're effectively paying double. Some give a Solo rate but usually it's just a couple of dollars off and never half.

One that does offer solo rates is Borumba Deer Park in Qld. About 50km SW of Gympie.

Caliban · Veteran Member

Thanks RosieW
So I get my learners, I am over 25, Living in Queensland, how long do I have to of held my learners License before I am eligible to get my green P's?
When on my green P's can I then drive a motor home or do I have to wait for my Opens?

RosieW · Guru

Over 25, no wait period, get 'em today, take the test as soon as you can book it. Then onto green P's for a year.

If the motorhome is able to be driven on a car licence, you can get behind the wheel straight away. However, having almost gotten to my Opens (May 13), I'd recommend AT LEAST 12-18 months of Opens before getting behind the wheel of something bigger. Second-guessing the tossers on the road takes a lot of practice, even in a Barina (what I drive), I'd hate to try in something bigger just yet.